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Types of Tuberculosis and Factors Associated with Treatment Outcome and Mortality in the Obuasi Municipality of Ashanti Region, Ghana
Daniel Yeboah Asiamah,
Georgina Frimpong Siraa,
Obed Kumi,
Williams Domechele,
Philip Teg-Nefaah Tabong
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
127-131
Received:
4 September 2023
Accepted:
19 September 2023
Published:
8 October 2023
Abstract: Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) affects all persons in all countries of the world. Treatment outcomes remain a global indicator for measuring a country’s progress towards elimination of tuberculosis. Objective: The study was conducted to determine the distribution of TB by type and factors associated with treatment outcomes and mortality among a cohort of patients who received treatment for this disease between January 2015-December 2017 in the Obuasi municipality of Ghana. Results: The distribution of TB type were as follows: smear positive pulmonary TB (SPPTB), 50.0%, clinically diagnosed (smear negative) pulmonary TB 46.2%, extra-pulmonary TB 3.8% and 114 (19.83%) TB+HIV comorbidity. About 157 (27.30%) of TB patients were not screened for HIV. Successful treatment outcome rate was 77.20%. Unsuccessful treatment outcome rate was 22.80%; 7.90% defaulted, whereas 13.77% died, 0.90% treatment failure and 0.23% transferred out. In multivariable analysis, TB-HIV co-morbidity (aOR=3.37, 95% CI=1.50-7.57, p=0.003) was associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome and mortality (aOR=3.38, 95% CI=1.60-7.12, p=0.001). HIV infection reduced the likelihood of patient having successful treatment outcome whilst increasing the risk of mortality. Noncompliance with enhanced surveillance of screening all TB patients for HIV was common.
Abstract: Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) affects all persons in all countries of the world. Treatment outcomes remain a global indicator for measuring a country’s progress towards elimination of tuberculosis. Objective: The study was conducted to determine the distribution of TB by type and factors associated with treatment outcomes and mortality among a co...
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Research Article
Spatio-Temporal Trend of Water Related Diseases Incidence Across Campuses of Government Owned Tertiary Institutions in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Godspower Imiete,
Hope Chizia Ebenezer,
Meelubari Barinua Tsaro Kpang*
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
132-140
Received:
4 October 2023
Accepted:
1 November 2023
Published:
21 November 2023
Abstract: The prevalence of water related sicknesses occurrence observed among students of Government owned tertiary institutions in Port Harcourt, Rivers State necessitated this study. The quasi- experimental research design was used and data relating to water related sicknesses were obtained from the archives of the health centres in the various institutions were. Water samples from the different sources of drinking water in the campuses investigated were collected and analyzed using standard laboratory techniques. The results revealed that there was a statistically significant variation in incidence of water related sicknesses at the various campuses spatially (TF- F= 12.071, p = 0.000; DL- F= 12.008, p = 0.000; DY- F= 9.017, p = 0.000; SR- F= 5.388, p = 0.004; AD- F= 3.037, p = 0.041) and on temporal basis (2018- F= 50.444, p = 0.000; 2019- F= 20.533, p = 0.000; 2020- F= 7.215, p = 0.001; 2021- F= 7.515, p = 0.001; 2022- F= 17.613., p = 0.000). The microbial content of the water samples revealed the presence of total coliforms, faecal coliforms and E. Coli showing that the water consumed on the campuses is not potable. It is evident that the status of available sources of water consumed has a significant correlation with the reported cases of water related illnesses amongst members of the university community. The recommendations made includes, immediate declaration of state of emergency on the water sources on the campuses, formation of an effective and sustainable water quality monitoring and assessment committee, encouragement of high level of personal hygiene among students, enforcement of University wide sanitation taskforce, and routine check and maintenance of septic tanks to watch out for possible leakages.
Abstract: The prevalence of water related sicknesses occurrence observed among students of Government owned tertiary institutions in Port Harcourt, Rivers State necessitated this study. The quasi- experimental research design was used and data relating to water related sicknesses were obtained from the archives of the health centres in the various institutio...
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Research Article
Mycological Profile of Otomycosis in Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Cameroon
Yves Somo Iwewe*,
Francis Tabe Ekwin,
Antoine Bola Siafa,
Anicette Betbeui Chafa,
Guy Sadeu Wafeu,
Jean Paul Dzoyem,
Simon Pierre Chegaing Fodouop
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
141-145
Received:
14 November 2023
Accepted:
6 December 2023
Published:
18 December 2023
Abstract: The diagnosis of otomycosis is usually based on clinical signs, symptoms and predisposing factors to which the patient is exposed. Mycologic examination of samples is required for an adequate antifungal treatment. However, the access to this analysis is very low in low-income settings, and most of the treatments are probabilistic. We aimed to provide the mycologic profile of otomycosis in our environment. We carried out a descriptive and cross sectional study from October 2016 to May 2017 in the University Teaching Hospital of Yaounde. Consenting patients with symptoms of otomycosis were included and samples from the external auditory canal were collected for fresh mount analysis and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar medium was done for up to 5 days. Pathogens were identified from their morphologic characteristics on low magnification. The prevalence was reported with 95% confidence interval, and qualitative variables were described with numbers and percentages. A total of 60 participants were included, with a mean age of 32.8 ± 15.8 years and a predominance of female participants (62%). The use of cotton swabs was the most frequent predisposing factor for otomycosis (50%). Itching was the commonest symptom (85%). The overall prevalence of otomycosis in the population was 66.7% (95% CI: 54.1-77.3%), with A. niger, Candida species, A. flavus and other Aspergillus species representing the most encountered fungi. Otomycosis is common in the otolaryngology service, affecting mostly young people and females. Treatment targeting A. niger like imidazole may be used as first line probabilistic antifungal treatments.
Abstract: The diagnosis of otomycosis is usually based on clinical signs, symptoms and predisposing factors to which the patient is exposed. Mycologic examination of samples is required for an adequate antifungal treatment. However, the access to this analysis is very low in low-income settings, and most of the treatments are probabilistic. We aimed to provi...
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Research Article
Hematological Profile of Malaria Patients at the Southeast Minahasa, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Diana Shintawati Purwanto*,
Juliet Merry Eva Mamahit
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
146-149
Received:
5 December 2023
Accepted:
20 December 2023
Published:
28 December 2023
Abstract: Malaria remains a public health concern in Indonesia. Several types of district and private hospitals play a very important role in treating malaria sufferers and their complications. Hematological alterations are the most prevalent consequences of malaria. Therefore, this study aimed to compile a hematological profile of malaria patients treated at Mitra Sehat Regional General Hospital, Southeast Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. A total of 92 patients with clinical symptoms of fever and positive for malaria after examining their peripheral blood smear, were included in this cross-sectional study. The data from the hematology examination was then analyzed. There were 65 cases caused by P. falciparum, followed by 21 cases of P. vivax, and 6 cases of P. falciparum and P. vivax co-infection. The most frequent hematological abnormality seen in malaria patients in this study was thrombocytopenia (91%). Furthermore, leukopenia was found in 33%, followed by anemia in 20%. While females had greater levels of white blood cells and platelets count, male patients had significantly higher averages for hemoglobin, red blood cells count, and hematocrit profiles. In conclusion, the hematological alterations associated with malaria patients include thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia, therefore people living in highly endemic locations, like Southeast Minahasa, can use these markers to strengthen their suspicion of malaria.
Abstract: Malaria remains a public health concern in Indonesia. Several types of district and private hospitals play a very important role in treating malaria sufferers and their complications. Hematological alterations are the most prevalent consequences of malaria. Therefore, this study aimed to compile a hematological profile of malaria patients treated a...
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